Sydney Porter: Dog Girl

"…compelling, with definite appeal to young readers...The path that Sydney follows in order to arrive at a resolution (and the book's focus on a parent's PTSD) is fresh and unexpected...Sydney is a strong, well-rounded character with relatable emotional struggles, while others--notably, Fred--are equally endearing. Family members are realistically flawed and provide the story of a girl-turned-dog, with gravity." ~ BookLife Prize.

Eleven-year-old Sydney has a problem named Fred. He's a retired bomb sniffing dog that her wounded veteran dad brought home with him from the war. Dad suffers from PTSD and only talks to Fred. Mom copes with the stress by working more. Sydney handles homework, household chores and a bully at school on her own.

Sydney wished for a perfect family. The kind she had before her dad went to war and came home injured. She wished she was a dog so he would talk to her too. When her wish is granted her disappearance as a kid causes a breakdown that threatens the whole family. Sydney's inner strength bubbles up as she struggles with life as a dog and learns that sometimes a simple wish can get you into a lot of trouble.